Pages

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Harlotized

I think that, quite possibly, yesterday was the most perfect day I've had as a knitter. First, there was the package with all its knitterly goodies. Then there was the time to knit most of the day, resulting in the near completion of a sock whose heel had been turned only the previous night. My newest sock book also arrived. But mostly there was the Harlot.

J and I arrived at Joseph-Beth very, very early. So early, they didn't have anything set up yet. So I picked up my reserved copy of the book and we walked around the SouthSide Works for a while, then came back to watch the bookstore employees set up chairs and pounced on seats -- in the first row. J left once to get something to drink, but I pretty much stayed put and worked on the sock. Here is my Harlot-style shot of the sock and where she would soon be talking:

Then she was there, wearing the Bohus -- which, I must tell you, is absolutely stunning in person. I think I must knit one.

Her talk was funny and extremely amusing. J even enjoyed it, which thrilled me to no end. Since I had reserved my book in advance, we were in the first group to get called up to get in the signing line. I dragged J along with me and introduced him to Stephanie as "my favorite Muggle." I made him show her his socks (he was wearing these ones; I was wearing these) and she showed us hers. I asked her if they were Trekking; no, she responded, "they're Meilenweit Boot Stretch. You can get it at Knit One." (Was I really having this conversation about where to buy sock yarn in Pittsburgh with the Harlot?)

Then there was the moment that really blew my mind. When I handed Stephanie my book to sign, she asked me who I was. So I told her my name and what my blog was. And then these words came out of her mouth:

"Oh, I've been to your blog! You just finished some blue baby socks, right?"

WHAT?! THE HARLOT'S BEEN TO MY BLOG?! Well, color me incredulous. Yes, she assured me, she had been to my blog, and when she tells people she's been to their blogs, she really means it (she apparently clicks on the links to blogs that people leave in their comments). How she has the time to visit all these blogs while blogging herself, and writing books, and knitting sweaters like the gorgeous Bohus, is beyond me.

All of this was amazing, but the truly incredible moment of the night was when I got to hold the traveling sock while Stephanie held my nearly complete sock:

Proof that we were there, and that it wasn't just an amazing dream. Look for us in Steph's next post -- we'll be the less blurry folks in the front row.

ETA: Jen was there with us in the front row, too. I'm sending her picture I took of her and the Harlot joking around like old buddies. We'll see if she posts it.

ETA: I am in complete and utter shock, all because of this. Not only did she remember my blog name and what I'd recently knit, she linked to me. If you've come here from Her Harlotness' post, welcome! Make yourselves at home. And leave me a comment! I'd love to take advantage of this moment of unbelievable luck to find some new knitting blogs and connect with some other knitters!

Me too, me too--I got here via the Harlot and all the vicarious thrills I'm getting from "seeing" her meet other knitters. Hoping to move from the virtual audience to the real audience when she comes to WEBS.

Hi! I did just pop over from YH's blog. It sounds like you had a great evening there. I can't wait to see what she says about Cleveland (my hometown). I live in the greater Boston area and several of my knitting buddies and I are planning a trip to WEBS to see her - but we have to wait until May.

And the Bohus is stunning - I am tempted to make one, but it would have to be a cardigan since pullovers are too warm for me.

I've been following YH's blog and now get to meet you! I feel like I was there. Knit One is one of my new customers and even though I've never physically been there I feel like I've visited thanks to you and YH. Isn't Stephanie the best speaker! I'm going to Petaluma in June to see her and have her sign my new book and then hopefully follow her (no not stalking just a fan) to Portland. Hope to visit Knit One in person soon! Thanks for keeping us in the loop! Trish in St. Helens OR.

Leaving a comment at your request!I was one of the crazy stalkers sitting on the fireplace beside the podium. What a great time was had by all!I wanted to wear handknit socks but couldn't resist one of the first few days of Pittsburgh weather that allowed for open toes. Now I'm rationing the new book and reading it slowly so it lasts longer.

Hey, I came from the Harlot's site too, but I'm glad to find you! You're already added to my bookmarks. I was in Pittsburgh last year for just one weekend and took an intensive sock class (2 in 2 days) from Carla and just had a wonderful time. Took home a lot of goodies, too!

Hi, here from Harlot. What she said about this being a community was wonderful, I'm a new blogger and just inspired by the community that is present. I can only imagine what it felt like for you. Happy for you. Enjoy the high!

Geez, that would blow me away too. Evey once in a while I get a comment from someone I think of a a "famous blogger" and I just can't believe they've actually visited my blog. It's crazy, isn't it? Anyway, I'm so jealous you got to meet the Harlot!

Hidy-ho! I'm a native Pittsburgher living in exile in California (I hate it here) and found your site through the YH. I found Jen's site last summer when I thought I was going to be able to move back home.

I'm quite envious you got to meet Stephanie. She isn't planning a SoCal stop, just a NorCal one.

You're on my bloglines now, and I'm hopeful I'll be moving back to the 'Burgh and we can meet in person some time soon! :) (amy)

Hello, I'm yet another poster hopping over from YH's post. I also love to find new knitting blogs, although mine is currently short on knitting content, but long on baby pics. Anyway, I'm going to read the rest of your page. I'm sure I'll stop by again soon

Wow! That is great! I was reading Harlot's blog to see what she had written about the Pittsburgh signing and saw that she had mentioned a "Sarah". I had a "Hmm...I wonder" moment and then when I followed the link I shrieked "hey! I've met her! She's in the knitting group with Jenn!" So now I believe you have qualified for celebrity status. How cool.

I found you via a search looking for posts about stops on the harlot tour. I get to see her this Thursday (saw her last year, too cool!).I just about passed out when she commented on my blog one day (it has occured 2 times now)I think she is so popular because we can all imagine having a beer with her!Your mom's pink socks are lovely!